I can't believe we are celebrating our 15th year of Theatre Arts at APR! It began with a dream in the fall of 2001 and now entering our 15th year, our program is stronger than ever and a mainstay at the school and in the community. For those who have missed us over the years, here are some highlights:
* Our troupe was founded with a small dedicated group of 7 Thespians; today, we have over 40 Thespians and Thespian Apprentices every year!
* Our first production of The Dining Room in the fall of 2001 had 8 actors in the cast; this fall, our revival production will have over 20 cast members and another 10+ on crew!
* Our curriculum began with just a few short courses for a few grade levels; this year, students in grades 5, 6, 7, and 8 will ALL have Drama as part of their course of study!
* In 2009, we added the ZIPS program (Zoom Into Productions by Students) where our HS Thespian leaders coordinate their own productions for the MS and HS: directing, writing, designing and producing a full production on their own!
* Our actors & techies have earned over 25 awards at the METG and ITS Festivals; we have earned awards every year at the festivals (from acting to design to directing & stage management).
* Our first trip to NYC was in 2005 with only 15 Thespians; we took our first trip to Hollywood in 2014 and we will take our 6th trip to NYC in spring 2016 with 26 Thespians!
* Our fundraisers began in 2002 and haven't stopped since: we raise between $10,000-30,000 every year in support of our theatre needs and ensuring that every Thespian can attend our out-of-state trip adventures!
* Many of our Thespian graduates go on to participate in college theatre and several are now pursuing theatre-related careers in Boston, NY, and even abroad!
What hasn't changed? Our students' commitment and dedication to celebrating theatre. Their passion and energy are contagious, and our Thespian troupe continues to be a family in support of our success as a unified troupe. I love seeing our Thespians make their first entrance onto the stage in the 5th grade and am overjoyed with pride watching them take their final bow as they approach graduation. And when they come back to tell us of their adventures in the "real world" beyond our school walls, we are reminded that they are always part of our Thespian Troupe family and their legacies live on.
We hope you will take advantage of the many offerings at APR for students to develop their love of theatre:
* In the classroom: Drama classes in grades 5-8!
* After school: as part of our theatre productions!
* Joining the International Thespian Society Troupe: an international organization that honors the dedication and successes of Thespians all across the globe!
Check out our events, join us for a show, come celebrate at the Thespian Benefit Gala, and take pride, as I do, seeing our students grow as confident, collaborative, creative leaders.
